Vijf composiete consoles, gedecoreerd met rolwerk, grotesken en mascarons 1593 - 1595

Wendel Dietterlin created this drawing of five composite consoles decorated with grotesque figures sometime in the late 16th century. The initial impression is one of intricate detail and structured form. We see elaborate consoles, each a unique variation on classical architectural elements, rendered with precision. The use of line and shadow creates a sense of depth, emphasizing the ornate carvings and textures. Here, Dietterlin destabilizes established meanings by presenting architectural components not as functional elements, but as standalone artistic expressions. This subverts the traditional role of architectural design, inviting viewers to consider these consoles as pure aesthetic forms. Notice the recurring motifs: scrollwork, grotesque masks, and other decorative elements that are rendered through dense hatching. These are not merely decorative additions but function as signs within a broader cultural code. Dietterlin challenges fixed meanings by transforming functional supports into elaborate displays, prompting us to reconsider how form and function interact within artistic and cultural contexts.